Startup To Launch 'SteamBoy' Handheld Steam Console

A startup, which isn’t associated with Valve, is working on a handheld Steam console to rival the PS Vita and Nvidia Shield. Called SteamBoy, and developed by a company called the SteamBoy Machine Team, the forthcoming console will be the first handheld device to run Steam OS.

It’s expected to launch in 2015 and it will be equipped with WiFi and 3G connectivity. Details are thin, but the company told The Escapist that it will feature a Quad-Core CPU, 4GB RAM, 32GB built-in memory and a 5-inch 16:9 touchscreen.

A spokesperson said: "SteamBoy won't be as powerful as other announced Steam Machines in the same way [the]
Nintendo 3DS or PS Vita performance is not comparable to Wii U or PlayStation 4.” The spokesperson continued: “However, it will be possible to play the majority of current games in Steam."

The device itself has taken on the design of the Steam Controller with a hint of the PS Vita. It will be interesting to see how powerful the console actually is, especially since the company has boasted of it being able to play most games on Steam. System requirements for PC games can vary widely, so how SteamBoy accommodates that will be key to its success.